Hootie Jones decommits from Alabama

Two weeks after giving his verbal commitment to Alabama, Neville defensive back Laurence “Hootie” Jones has decided to reopen his recruitment.

Jones made the announcement on his twitter account, saying, “I just decommit from Alabama. I need more time.!”

The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder recently committed to the Crimson Tide during a live press conference at Neville earlier this month with friends Cameron Sims of Ouachita and Cameron Robinson of West Monroe on hand. Both Sims and Robinson are committed to Alabama.

Jones was widely considered to be down to Alabama and LSU in his final decision throughout his senior season, and his announcement opens the door for him to land at LSU leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5, 2014. At the Dec. 2 press conference, Jones said he didn’t make his decision until 20 minutes before his announcement.

When reached for comment on Wednesday afternoon, Neville coach Mickey McCarty said he hadn’t talked to Jones about his decision and “had no idea” he decommited.

“It’s a tough decision and I don’t know where this is coming from or if maybe he’s gotten some attention from other schools,” McCarty said. “Obviously, he’s got a lot on his mind.”

McCarty, who’s in Shreveport for the Louisiana High School All-Star Game with Tiger standouts Andre Fuller II and Ashari Goins, said he planned on reaching out to Jones.

Jones is rated as a four-star recruit and top 50 player in America by Rivals.com.